Have your toddler started talking?

It is a major concern among many parents (including me). Generally, a child starts babbling at the age of 6 months to 1 year. Gradually they utter certain words which they picks up from conversations they get to hear, and what is being told to them. At the age of 2, they might start talking in framed sentences, sing songs or nursery rhymes and so on. Sometimes, some children tend to start talking after 2. Its normal. Every child is unique and different in their traits. Some may be early to talk and walk while others are not.

According to doctors and experts, a child could speak about 20 to 50 words by the age of 2. My son is 23 months and he can speak around 40+ words. Then again, it varies from child to child.

In these modern times, where nuclear families replaces older extended families, it’s quite obvious that a child gets to see and interact with only a very few people, or rather their momma and papa. Had it been an extended family in the past, there would be grand parents to pamper them or share a story, uncles and aunts or their kids to play with. All those experiences, interactions and conversations adds to the development behaviour of children.
A prevailing myth about toddlers is that, compared to boys, girls starts talking at an early age, though it is not scientifically proven.

If your toddler has not yet started talking, make sure that you talk to him clearly. Narrate stories to him if he loves listening. While playing or so try to make him utter some words by repeating easy ones. This is just not for once or one day, but has to be repeatedly done every day whole day… Kids just love praise and appreciation. Encourage them when they come up with their words, or even when they mimics words or the rhythm of your speech. Mimicking sounds or tone itself is a great step in their development.

Just hang in there, you might wonder some day all of a sudden your kid starts talking… Rather than thinking about speech therapy for your kids, just make it an attempt from your side. It definitely yields positive results.

Even after that if you genuinely think your child needs help, then go for it, don’t look back.